Backup Ryan Mallett getting more comfortable with every snap

Earlier tonight, we got our first taste of Ryan Mallett playing against an opponent's first team defense. He got the start in place of Tom Brady against the Eagles.

With some of his untidy throws, and tendency to think too much in the pocket, Mallett can be a bit tough on the nerves. But once he settles in, good things start to happen.

Last night, as he deftly avoided oncoming pass rushers, Mallett managed to lead three scoring drives in losing cause. Two of them led to touchdowns, as he went 10-for-20 for 105 yards and a touchdown.

''I'm getting comfortable every time I go out there,'' Mallett said after the game. ''At least I feel like that. It might not look like it, but it feels like it. Like I said, I'm just going to build on today and try to get better tomorrow.''

The 6-6, 245 pound quarterback, a third round pick in last year's draft out of Arkansas, has struggled with his consistency, but when he's moving around and relying on his instincts, he seems to do better. He also says he's feeling more secure with the offense.

''I know a little bit more of what's going on,'' Mallett said. ''Last year, I didn't have a very good base; now I have a pretty good foundation that I can keep working to build on. That's what I'm doing every day is trying to buildon that foundation.''